Marina del Rey : Water Rate Increase

Los Angeles County is proposing a 65% increase in Marina del Rey water rates to finance a 20-year program to repair and replace the area’s deteriorating water system.

The increase, the first in more than six years, was recommended by the county Department of Public Works after a survey of water meters and pipes last year showed that improvements are needed before the water system fails.

The marina is owned by the county. All businesses and residential projects there operate on long-term leases with the county. The proposed increase would boost rates for all leaseholders from 83 cents per 100 cubic feet of water to $1.37 per 100 cubic feet starting Oct. 1.

The seven-part improvement program involves repair and replacement of water meters, replacement of galvanized pipes that county officials say are in “very bad condition,” replacement of main water lines, and construction of a 4-million-gallon reservoir to meet emergency and peak water demand.

A public meeting will be held June 27 at county Department of Beaches and Harbors headquarters to discuss the increase. A second public hearing will be held before the county Board of Supervisors acts on the proposal.